Ultimate Dubai Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Visit the Dubai Museum

Step back in time and explore the history and culture of Dubai in this fascinating museum located in the Al Fahidi Fort.
3 AED, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Al Ustad Special Kebab

Indulge in affordable and delicious kebabs at this local favorite. Try their mouthwatering lamb kebabs and refreshing mint lemonade.
25 AED, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at the Textile Souk

Stroll through the vibrant Textile Souk and haggle for colorful fabrics, scarves, and souvenirs at budget-friendly prices.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ravi Restaurant

Savor the flavors of Pakistani cuisine at Ravi Restaurant. Don't miss their sizzling karahi and freshly baked naan.
30 AED, 1 hour

Day 2: Beach Day

Dubai, UAE

10:00AM

Relax at JBR Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and soak up the sun with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bu Qtair

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at Bu Qtair, known for its fresh seafood and laid-back beach shack atmosphere.
40 AED, 1 hour

4:00PM

Walk along The Walk at JBR

Take a leisurely walk along The Walk at JBR, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers for some budget-friendly entertainment.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Operation Falafel

Treat yourself to delicious and affordable Middle Eastern street food at Operation Falafel. Don't miss their falafel wraps and hummus.
35 AED, 1 hour

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Visit the Al Fahidi Historic District

Explore the charming Al Fahidi Historic District with its narrow alleyways, traditional wind-tower houses, and art galleries.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Arabian Tea House Cafe

Enjoy a traditional Arabic meal at the Arabian Tea House Cafe, known for its affordable and authentic Emirati cuisine.
50 AED, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Gold and Spice Souks

Wander through the bustling alleyways of the Gold and Spice Souks, where you can admire glittering gold jewelry and aromatic spices while honing your haggling skills.
Varies, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ayubowan

Savor the flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine at Ayubowan, offering generous portions of budget-friendly curries and hoppers.
40 AED, 1 hour

Day 4: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi

Dubai, UAE

8:00AM

Travel to Abu Dhabi

Take an affordable bus or shared taxi to Abu Dhabi and head to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a stunning architectural masterpiece.
30 AED, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Al Mubarakiya Restaurant

Enjoy a satisfying meal at Al Mubarakiya Restaurant, known for its delicious and economical Middle Eastern dishes.
45 AED, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi

Immerse yourself in art and culture at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, which offers free admission for visitors under 18 years old and affordable ticket prices for adults.
30 AED, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Shawarma Time

Treat yourself to mouthwatering shawarmas and falafel at Shawarma Time, a popular spot for delicious yet budget-friendly Middle Eastern fare.
35 AED, 1 hour

Day 5: Desert Adventure

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Morning Safari

Embark on a budget-friendly morning desert safari, featuring dune bashing, camel rides, and picturesque desert photo opportunities.
150 AED, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Desert Camp

Enjoy a traditional Emirati lunch at a local desert camp, where you can savor authentic flavors and hospitality against the backdrop of the desert landscape.
60 AED, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Sunset Point

Head to a scenic sunset viewpoint in the desert, where you can watch the sun descend over the dunes without spending a dirham.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Al Mallah

Satisfy your hunger with budget-friendly shawarma and falafel at Al Mallah, a local gem known for its delicious and affordable Middle Eastern cuisine.
40 AED, 1 hour

Day 6: Modern Marvels

Dubai, UAE

10:00AM

Explore Dubai Marina

Stroll along the picturesque Dubai Marina promenade, admiring the modern architecture and luxury yachts without spending a dime.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dubai Marina Mall Food Court

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal with a variety of international cuisines at the Dubai Marina Mall Food Court, offering something for every taste.
35 AED, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit The Dubai Fountain

Witness the mesmerizing choreographed fountain show at the base of the Burj Khalifa, providing a stunning visual experience at no cost.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Karachi Darbar

Indulge in affordable Pakistani and Indian dishes at Karachi Darbar, where you can feast on flavorful biryanis and kebabs.
45 AED, 1 hour

Day 7: Final Splurge

Dubai, UAE

9:00AM

Visit Dubai Miracle Garden

Spend the morning exploring the vibrant and whimsical displays of Dubai Miracle Garden, an extravagant experience that's worth the splurge.
55 AED, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Global Village Food Pavilion

Indulge in a diverse and budget-friendly culinary experience at the Global Village Food Pavilion, offering international flavors from around the world.
50 AED, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shop at Karama Market

Browse the bustling streets of Karama Market, known for its bargain deals on clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, providing ample opportunities for budget-friendly shopping.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Logma

Treat yourself to a final indulgence with Emirati comfort food at Logma, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes with an affordable price tag.
60 AED, 1.5 hours